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Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — Prime/Zoom
Canon

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Prime/Zoom

93
/ 100
From $2,699
VS
Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM wins by 3
Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR — Prime/zoom
Nikon

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Prime/zoom

90
/ 100
From $2,399
Specdex verdict

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM lands at 93 and Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR at 90. That puts Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM if…

  • ✓Fast autofocus
  • ✓Weather-sealed
  • ✓Premium optics

Pick Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR if…

  • ✓Proven optical formula
  • ✓Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • ✓Strong resale
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Build

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Compared on the build sub-score

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM leads on build (94 vs 90).

Sharpness

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Compared on the sharpness sub-score

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM leads on sharpness (93 vs 90).

Autofocus

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Compared on the autofocus sub-score

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM leads on af (92 vs 86).

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM 93
vs
90 Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Score breakdown

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM
93
sharpness 93
af 92
build 94
value 84
Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR
90
sharpness 90
af 86
build 90
value 86

Specs side-by-side

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM versus Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR — full spec comparison
Spec Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM

Pros
  • +Fast autofocus
  • +Weather-sealed
  • +Premium optics
Cons
  • −Heavy
  • −Expensive
  • −Focus breathing varies

Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Pros
  • +Proven optical formula
  • +Weather-sealing (L/GM/S)
  • +Strong resale
Cons
  • −Mount-specific
  • −Older AF motor on some
  • −Heavier than modern counterparts

FAQ: Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM vs Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR

Which is better, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR? +

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM scores 93 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM worth the price? +

At $2,699, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in build.

Is Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR worth the price? +

At $2,399, Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in sharpness.

Does Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for build, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR? +

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — leads on build (94 vs 90). Compared on the build sub-score.

Which is better for sharpness, Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM or Nikon AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8E ED VR? +

Canon RF 100-500mm f/4.5-7.1L IS USM — leads on sharpness (93 vs 90). Compared on the sharpness sub-score.